Behind the Business
19th May 2021
This week we’re hearing from Jayde Geia from BROSISCUS.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
My name is Jayde Geia and I grew up in Meanjin (Brisbane). My family are Bwgcolman, Gunggandji and Mualgal. I come from a family of artists. My grandfather Cedric Geia, his brother Joe Geia, and my aunty Jessie Lloyd are talented musicians. My dad, Phil Geia, is an accomplished performer who won a show called Star Search back in the day. He also owned Kunjal Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cabaret Restaurant and has worked in schools teaching our culture to children across Australia through dance and music.
Seeing our culture expressed through art and music was normal for me as a child, however the musical talents missed me, and I started my career as a commercial lawyer. More recently, I have found a way to express myself by designing jewellery that I love to wear.
Can you tell us about your business?
BROSISCUS is a Gold, Silver and Diamond jewellery business. Pronounced like ‘hibiscus’ BROSISCUS literally stands for brother, sister, cousin and is a business created for family.
Our brand revolves around the concept of meaningful jewellery crafted with timeless design and minimalism. We design jewellery and we also collaborate with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander models, artists, and entrepreneurs.
We believe that the growing community of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander creatives designing and selling fashion and jewellery is providing significant opportunities to support economic development in our communities.
Industry do you operate in and for how long?
I have spent the past eleven years working at a number of legal and consulting firms in Cairns, Brisbane and Canberra specialising in commercial law, corporate governance and investment. I also devote my spare time to volunteering with organisations that aim to improve the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
The events of 2020 prompted a bit of self-reflection and I decided to take a career break to restore some balance and spend time with family. It was during this time that we started BROSISCUS which officially launched in April 2021.
Is there any other information or encouragement you would like to share with other Indigenous Women?
Take the risk and don’t be disheartened by challenges. There will never be a time when everything is in line and there are no risks involved, so don’t wait for perfection before you just give it a go.
Know that the learning never stops and much of it is delivered courtesy of getting things wrong. Most importantly, surround yourself with other business owners, there are so many successful Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses out there that will support you.
Would love to connect:
